Downtown Friday Nights Concert Series Resumes
Looking for something to do Friday nights? Experience live music at an affordable price at the Chestnut Center for the Arts.
The Downtown Friday Nights concert series will resume November 3 with performances by Schmidt Happens and opener Michael Str!ke, both local musicians. The last concert series ended in early October and fetched attendance of about 100 people.
“It’s been very successful,” said Adam Smrcka, Executive Director. “It’s really focusing on local musicians and surrounding communities.” They hope to host diverse types of music that everyone can enjoy.
Taking place downstairs, the venue is similar to a nightclub. “The ballroom is very historic space and the atmosphere is just wonderful,” said Smrcka. “The environment is so open they can choose to dance, or sit and have a great conversation while listening to great music.”
After checking out what the area offered for live music and seeing that Friday nights were open, the Chestnut Center decided to provide concerts of their own. The indoor venue allows them to host such events year-round.
The center partnered with Hotel Marshfield to sponsor the concerts. “We want to help the tourism and hotel business,” said Smrcka. “When their guests are there on a weekend, we are able to provide a menu of what’s going on.”
A cash bar with beer and wine provided by the Blue Heron Brew Pub is available at the concerts along with food specials from Scotty’s Pizza. The event opens with a an up-and-coming musician followed by a two-hour performance by the main act. No tickets are necessary, but attendees can reserve a spot through Eventbrite for free, with a free will donation of $5 or more at the event, or RSVP on the event’s Facebook page.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the opening act begins at 7:30 p.m. Concerts usually run until 10 or 11 p.m. Upcoming dates are November 17, December 1 and 15, and January 5, 19.